I came across this fascinating article today about AFI pal Mike Drake of Mezco Toyz and his incredible collection on a New York website. I always find in interesting what "toy folks" collect. And Mike has a doozy of a unique collection. Check out the article and the pictures here.

19 New Programming Ventures: Seven New Animated Series and Four Original Movies (Live-Action/CG-Animated) Network Introduces For the First Time Six Live-Action "Alternative" Series and Two Scripted Live-Action Pilots Sports Partnership with NBA, Recruits Boston Celtics Superstar Eddie House for My Dad’s a Pro Short-Form Series ATLANTA, March 25 /PRNewswire/ — Cartoon Network announced a dramatic…

Over on Diamond Select Toy’s Art Asylum blog they debuted six new items solicited in the new issue of Previews. Three of the new items were Minimates. Marvel Minimates Series 27 Asst The bestselling Marvel Minimates line continues with this themed assortment featuring the stars of Marvel’s award-winning Ultimates series! Each case includes Ultimate…

We’re mid-way through JLU week here on AFI, as we continue to take a closer look at the next wave of Justice League Unlimited figures that should be hitting your local Target stores very soon. This is a great no-brainer repaint of the original 5-point of articulation John Stewart figure, but this time he’s in…

This week AFI’s own Superfriend brings us an interview with Vinnie D’Alleva former VP Marketing Hasbro, Inc. from 1989 – 1999, one of the founders of Hasbro’s "New Ventures" division. Find out about the transformation of Total Justice in the the JLA line, find out if writing a thesis paper can get you a job…

A vinyl toy maven I am not. But some things I find irresistible. It takes extreme will power not to drop a wad every time I get out to California and visit Kid Robot or when I stop in at Red Hot Robot here in Phoenix. Because I know that embracing the designer toy world…

In what could only be called a massive disappointment, Hasbro launched a new line of action figures based on characters from the Indiana Jones movies last year. The manufacturer was disappointed in lackluster sales that quickly resulted in retailers pulling their support. Collectors who enjoyed the toys were disappointed in the line’s quick demise. Others…

The first of the Earth 3 Crime Syndicate figures is in this first new wave of Justice League Unlimited figures for 2009. Super Woman is featured on Day 2 of AFI’s Justice League week showing new Justice League Unlimited figures coming very soon to a Target store near you. You can see all the pictures…

Mattel’s JLU Earth3 SuperWoman Manufacturer: Mattel Release Date: April 2009 Wave/Assortment: Target Exclusives 2009 Wave 1 Packaging: Single Carded Accessories: Laso, Stand Scale: 4" Sculpted By: Mattel’s in House Team Notes: Character never appeared on the show in this version.

The Semi-Final brackets for the Four Horsemens’ “March Mauling” are now up and awaiting your vote at FANtastic Exclusive, and we’re down to the “Fatal Four” as chosen by action figure fans worldwide. The voting was fast and vicious this time around, lasting only a week, and the four victors mercilessly pummeled their competitors…

DC Direct has released their solicitations for products that will be arriving in stores in November of 2009. FIGURES BLACKEST NIGHT SERIES2 ACTION FIGURES As anticipation for the BLACKEST NIGHT event continues to build, DC Direct introduces the second series of action figures based on this storyline! Includes: Black Lantern Martian Manhunter • 7” h…